Thames Valley American Women's Club
Welcome
Welcome to the UK
An international move, especially your first one, is full of unknowns. The Thames Valley American Women’s Club (referred to as TVAWC) hopes that this Useful Information Section gives you some tools to make your move as smooth as possible. There WILL be challenges and the unexpected and American Women’s Clubs around the world are a great resource to help you cope.
TVAWC wants to be there to support you and offer you friendship and activities for yourself and your family. American Women’s Clubs are a great resource for locating: dentists, doctors, hairdressers, childcare, etc. and for purchasing: used appliances, cars and furniture.
We hope you find the information in this section helpful as you begin this adventure. Be sure to check out the Moving Checklist as early as possible.
Do not hesitate to email us if you have a question.
membership@tvawc.com
Moving Checklist
There are a few things that we suggest you do before you move and as soon as you arrive. This checklist may help you focus during those busy, challenging days.
Before you leave your home country:
- Read and review the information on culture shock page of this website.
- Create an insurance inventory list of the items that will move with you.
- Talk with your home country bank re: wire transfer, etc
- Get copies of the medical (immunization), dental and vision records for all family members.
- Get claims records (Letter of Experience) from your car and homeowners insurance companies
- Get school records for each of your school-age children.
- Talk with your vet about moving your animals
Immediately upon arrival:
- Put the address of the nearest hospital with A & E in your SatNav (GPS)
As soon as you have a UK permanent address:
- Register with the American Embassy
- Set up telephone service
- Set up Internet service
- Set up gas / electric service
- Set up water service
- Set up satellite TV service
- Get a TV license
- Set up a UK current account
- Register with a Doctor (GP)
- Get contents insurance
- Purchase detailed street maps for your county (bookshops, newsagents)
- Purchase a copy of the Highway Code and training DVD to help you learn the rules of the road (bookshops, newsagents)
If you have children:
- Consider your school options
- Contact your local district council for information
- When you have decided on a school, take in report cards, referrals, etc and register your child.
FOCUS is a non-profit, membership organization that provides a number of resources,
including publications and programmes, for expats who have relocated to the UK.
www.focus-info.org
Emergency Info: HERE
A to Z of UK Living
Click HERE to open the 'A to Z of UK Living' document. This is crammed with loads of information to assist you with all aspects of your life in the UK.
Culture Shock
Do you know what Culture Shock is? Click HERE to find out more.
Language Tips
Do the USA and the UK use the same language? HERE are some tips.
Travel Tip
Carry copies of passport photo pages, visa pages and US driver’s licenses for all family members whenever you travel.